UDL Core Foundation Resource

Learn about a UDL Knowledge Statement:

The goal promotes expert learning by encouraging
challenging ways of thinking and doing.
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© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits
© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a
research-based framework that can be
used to anticipate human variability
and to reduce learning barriers in the
design of any environment. The UDL
Guidelines are a tool for applying UDL
to practice.
Knowledge Statements
The UDL Knowledge Statements
(KS) were developed as part of the
UDL credential initiative by Learning
Designed. Together with the UDL
Guidelines, these KS can be used to
reflect on how the design of any
learning experience anticipates
variability and reduces barriers.

©
© 2019
2019 CAST
CAST || Until
Until Learning
Learning Has
Has No
No Limits
Limits
First… a brief overview of the
UDL Knowledge Statements.

© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

 Overview: UDL Knowledge Statements
The UDL Knowledge Statements (KS) were developed as
part of the UDL credential initiative by CAST and the
UDL-IRN.
Together with the UDL Guidelines, these KS can be used to
reflect on how the design of a learning experience
anticipates variability and reduces barriers in any context.

@LearningDsigned | learningdesigned.org © 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

 The UDL Knowledge Statements
Goals
The goal is presented so that learners can perceive and understand it.
The goal is separate from means, where possible.
The goal is presented to highlight its relevance.
The goal promotes expert learning by encouraging challenging ways of
thinking and doing.
Assessments
There are opportunities for flexible assessment options.
Materials & Methods
Flexible methods are available for learners.
Flexible materials are available for learners.

@LearningDsigned | learningdesigned.org © 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

Now... a focus in on one of the
UDL Knowledge Statements.

© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

 Goals: UDL Knowledge Statement
Goals
The goal is presented so that learners can perceive and understand it.
The goal is separate from means, where possible.
The goal is presented to highlight its relevance.
The goal promotes expert learning by encouraging challenging ways of
thinking and doing.
Assessments
There are opportunities for flexible assessment options.
Materials & Methods
Flexible methods are available for learners.
Flexible materials are available for learners.

@LearningDsigned | learningdesigned.org © 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

What does “expert learning”
really mean?

What are “challenging ways of

thinking and doing”?
© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits
 ● UDL focuses on a crucial goal: to
support the development of
expert learners
What is Expert ● Expert learners are, each in their
own way, resourceful and
Learning? knowledgeable; strategic and
goal-directed; and purposeful
and motivated
● Expert learning is not a final
destination; it is an ongoing
process of reflection and growth

© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

 When learners are engaged in
challenging ways of thinking and doing . . .

● They move beyond basic

What are challenging comprehension & rote memorization
ways of thinking and ● They develop expert learner
practices, habits, & commitments of
doing? specific disciplines. They grow as
expert mathematicians, expert
writers, expert artists, etc.
● They examine, interrogate, and
challenge existing norms and
structures
● And more! What are your examples?

© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

How can I design goals that
promote expert learning by
encouraging challenging ways of
thinking and doing?

© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits

 Leverage CAST’s
definition of
Expert Learners
Use this resource to reflect on
how learners are developing
expert learner practices and
habits in your context.

● How does the design of

your goal promote the
development of expert
learners?
● How can you refine the
design of your goal?
© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits
Leverage CAST’s
UDL Guidelines
Apply the UDL Guidelines to
design flexible environments
that support expert learning.

When reflecting on your goal,

● What are the barriers to

expert learning?
● Which guidelines and/or
checkpoints could reduce
these barriers and
increase access to expert
learning?
© 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits
 References

CAST (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from
http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. T. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory
and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.

@LearningDsigned | learningdesigned.org © 2019 CAST | Until Learning Has No Limits